Day Three: Just Do It

Day Three and things are going well! 

Today, I'm thinking about the second step in the three step habit loop: doing the activity. 

From what I can tell, research doesn't have a ton to say about this step. (We can get into flow states and solving creative puzzles later...there is a ton to think about there, but it isn't really part of habit formation.) 

I will, however, share a tidbit of relevant wisdom from Hemmingway. He says you should stop for the day when you still know what will happen next. That way, you are still inside your work--even when you are not actively doing it--and you aren't feeling all blocked and pressured when you sit down next.

Hemmingway poses with a black cat

I do think that part of limiting yourself to fifteen minutes each day is that you stay, more or less, inside the work you are doing. Fifteen minutes is rarely enough to reach a big conclusion. So in theory, you should almost always have something to pick back up. 

I'm going to be honest and mention that I worked for extra time this morning. I was so close to finishing a piece that I just decided to go for it.

Because I cheated, I actually created a bit of a problem. I know you are thinking that is silly. Shouldn't finishing an edit be a good thing? Well, it is. But only if I know what to work on next.

Hemmingway, getting back to work

I can't quite decide if I want to go back and do another round on this piece or move on to the next one. Though any daughter of a high school English teacher will tell you, it is good to let something sit so that you can come back to it with new eyes. (Thanks, Mom!) 

So tomorrow I'll be moving on to something new. 

I'll also be taking a look at the third step in habit formation. Arguably the best step--the reward!